Key Takeaways:
- Ecorobotix introduces new algorithms enabling use of non-selective herbicides in vegetable farming.
- The technology targets weeds while protecting crops such as broccoli and cauliflower.
- A new “Volunteer Potato” algorithm addresses challenges in carrot production.
- Plant-by-Plant™ AI expands detection to classify monocots and dicots across multiple crops.
- Upcoming 2026 algorithms will include leeks, garlic, celery, potatoes, and ragwort in grasslands.
Ecorobotix Announces Breakthrough in Vegetable Farming
Ecorobotix SA has launched its 2026 crop algorithms, marking what it describes as a breakthrough in precision agriculture. For the first time, its Ultra-High Precision (UHP) sprayer allows non-selective herbicides to be used in vegetable farming, a development that reduces manual labor and expands crop protection options.
“For the first time, we are demonstrating that it is possible to use a non-selective herbicide in a sensitive crop such as broccoli with precision, targeting only weeds while protecting the crop,” said Dominique Mégret, CEO of Ecorobotix. “This is a concrete alternative to selective herbicides, opening up new possibilities for vegetable farming.”
New Algorithms Available for 2026
The algorithms, available for pre-order now and launching commercially in March 2026, focus on crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, and other cabbages. Precision thinning for lettuce and broccoli has also been introduced, providing farmers with a tool to reduce manual labor and achieve more consistent yields.
Ecorobotix also released its “Volunteer Potato” algorithm for carrot farming, offering a solution to the problem of potato sprouts that are typically removed by hand. The company notes that this tool provides growers with targeted treatment options not available through traditional chemical methods.
Advancements in Plant-by-Plant™ AI
The company’s Plant-by-Plant™ AI now goes beyond differentiating between crops and weeds, distinguishing between monocots and dicots within crop systems. This refined detection capability is available for carrots, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbages, onions, green beans, spinach, chicory, sugar beet, and rapeseed.
“Weeding carrots has become even more complex since the withdrawal of Metribuzin, a key herbicide,” said Simon Gasser, Crop Algorithm and Agronomic Services PM at Ecorobotix. “With Ultra-High Precision spraying, it is now possible to carry out catch-up treatments against problems such as potato regrowth, black nightshade, and jimsonweed.”
Pipeline of 2026 Algorithms
Looking ahead, Ecorobotix plans to expand its portfolio further with algorithms in development for leeks, garlic, celery, potatoes, and ragwort in grasslands. These early-phase tools will be available free of charge to farmers during the testing stage, offering access to the company’s upcoming Plant-by-Plant™ advances before full release.
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